Coffee & tea

Image by Julia Forrest

This once vegetarian cafe has been a long established part of the West End (since 1960), but I only recently discovered how great it is! With a large dining space in which wide windows overlook the Great Western Road, the Bay Tree is a airy cafe by day and a romantic spot at night.

The food is excellent, Mediterranean-inspired fare, with quality, locally sourced ingredients and simple recipes the order of the day. There’s a wide range including some excellent mezze plates which are perfect for sharing. You can generally count on being served up some of tasty hummus out there, as well as stuffed vine leaves, couscous and kebabs.

The coffee is good too, and there is free WIFI so it’s a perfect place to sit and relax. At night, the resturant is softly lit and the Bay Tree is also BYOB with no corkage charge so it’s a great place to come for a date or a catch up with friends. There are often lunchtime specials, with starters and main courses from just £7.95.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
The Bay Tree | Coffee & tea, Restaurants (Middle Eastern ) | Main Meal £ 12
403 Great Western Road | West End | +441413345898
Mon – Sat 09:00 – 22:00, Sun 09:00 – 21:00

Image by Julia Forrest

Taking its name from an area in SoHo, New York, Tribeca promises to deliver “a little slice of the big apple in the heart of the Westend”.

Situated on Dumbarton Road, just look for the NYC taxi and NYPD cop car to find this great cafe. The cafe itself is very little and very lovely, all distressed wooden floors, chalk boards and chirpy chat from the staff. With only a handful of tables, get here early at the weekend as it’s get very busy.

If the sun is out, there are a handful of tables at the front of the restaurant, where you can try and replicate the chilled out NY sidewalk cafe atmosphere with your Americano. But if it’s a hangover cure you are after, then the big portions of American style breakfasts hit the spot.

When it comes to food, Tribeca’s speciality is New York style brunch – think eggs, pancakes, bagels and waffles. However, the star of the show is the Manhattan – carbtastic full American breakfast. It’s not the cheapest brunch in town, at around £8.50 for a signature omelette, but the atmosphere and friendly, local feeling welcome me back time and time again.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Tribeca | Coffee & tea, Restaurants (American ) | Lunch £ 10
102 Dumbarton Road | West End | +441415760122
Mon – Fri 08:00 – 19:00, Sat – Sun 09:00 – 18:00

Image by Julia Forrest

A visit to Bella Fresca transports you from its location amongst the everyday shops on Paisley Road West to a little corner of Italy where you will find coffee alongside homemade paninis, and a deli trading in goods and produce of strictly authentic Italian provenance.

Bella Fresca is always jam-packed with customers, the atmosphere is warm and cheerful and totally unpretentious. There is a real family style approach at Bella Fresca, and the cafe prepares all it’s meals fresh and makes good use of local and imported produce and its conveniently located deli next door.

You will find a great mix of homely Italian fare at great value in the restaurant. It’s the perfect setting to sit on a Saturday morning over a full-froth cappuccino and the paper.

The deli adjunct to the café, bears an exotic assortment of Italian small goods including olive oils, balsamics, dry and fresh pasta, cheeses, crispbreads and pre-made lasagne, calzones and ravioli.

Great for brunch, lunch, dinner, a hangover, or a picnic – Bella Fresca will not disappoint!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Bella Fresca | Coffee & tea, Restaurants (Italian ) | From £ 3.00
2093 Paisley Road West | Greater Glasgow | +441418826995
Mon – Sat 08:00 – 18:00, Sun 10:00 – 16:00

Image by Julia Forrest

A true hidden gem, the Hidden Tea Room is a tiny little tearoom and cafe. Located in a cobbled courtyard just behind the busy Argyle Street, you will find the Tea Room tucked in amongst the brightly coloured painted building of art galleries and graphic designers.

The cute little tea shop is so picturesque inside, because it’s built over 2 floors it feels like a vintage dollhouse. As the name suggests, there are many varieties of tea to choose from, as well as as well as a range of sandwiches, salads, quiches and handmade cakes and pastries. A selection of afternoon tea can be served for two on a high tea cake stand.

There are quaint drawings by local artists on the walls, and although there is no set menu, the blackboard tell you the three hot and cold dishes for the day. Remember it’s called the Hidden Tea Room for a reason so be sure to check first a map before you visit!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Hidden Tea Room | Coffee & tea | Sandwich & coffee £ 7.00
8 Argyle Court, 1103 Argyle Street | West End | +441415641363
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 18:00, Sun 12:00 – 18:00

Image by Julia Forrest

When it comes to coffee, I have to admit that I don’t know much about the art of the medium, but I can say with certainty that the coffee at Coffee, Chocolate and Tea (CCT) is top notch. You’ll find CCT on a discrete location on Argyle Street, its slightly off the beaten path compared to the other coffee shops in the area, but the extra effort to get there is worth it.

On my first visit, I was curious to know what the large red machine was in the corner, and the staff explained to me the process of grinding the coffee beans to ensure freshness. The space is open and stylish, although space is at a premium with benches and only tall stools to sit at.

I enjoy CCT’s velvety smooth flat whites, but as their namesake suggests, speciality teas and handmade chocolates are also on the menu. The selection of teas is excellent. Over 40 different varieties of black, green and white to be stepped in your own pot. Not a tea bag in sight as it is all loose leaf. You will even be given a timer so your tea will brewed perfectly.

You might see the chocolatiers putting the final touches to the individually handcrafted chocolates in the room at the back, before displaying them in a glass case, tempting you to try one. The salt caramel chocolates are the definition of chocolate heaven in my opinion.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Coffee, Chocolate & Tea (CCT) | Coffee & tea | Coffee £ 5
944 Argyle Street | West End | +441412043161
Mon – Fri 08:00 – 17:00, Sat – Sun 10:00 – 16:00